1
a
: a bright or shining condition : brightness
b
: a subdued glitter approaching but short of optical reflection
c
: a lustrous surface imparted to textiles through finishing processes or use of shiny yarns
2
: a textile exhibiting notable sheen
Synonyms of sheen
Examples of sheen in a Sentence
Noun
Her hair has a sheen to it.
polished the metal until it had an even sheen
Recent Examples on the Web
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
Three Rivers Waterkeeper says a sheen forms on the water when a substantial amount of pollution gets into it, which is what's causing the environmental group so much alarm.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Her association with Nuyorican bandleader and timbalero Tito Puente provided the perfect transition from the honeyed sheen of La Matancera to the ragged, visceral feel of Seventies salsa.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
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Adjective
The pigmentation of this formula is quite strong and leaves behind a glow that isn’t overly sparkly or sheen.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
Three Rivers Waterkeeper says a sheen forms on the water when a substantial amount of pollution gets into it, which is what's causing the environmental group so much alarm.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Algae extract delivers a concentrated dose of minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, and B-vitamins restore body, sheen, and texture to strands dulled by damage.
—Taylor Jean Stephan, Allure, 14 Apr. 2026
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
While its work was written, produced and performed largely by young Blacks from Detroit’s inner city, Gordy and Motown were intent on creating music for everyone, taking the earthy sounds of post-doo-wop R&B, giving them a melodic, commercial-friendly sheen and marketing them to the masses.
—Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Her association with Nuyorican bandleader and timbalero Tito Puente provided the perfect transition from the honeyed sheen of La Matancera to the ragged, visceral feel of Seventies salsa.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Cite this Entry
“Sheen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheen. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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